ODM’s Sam Atandi Replaces Ndindi Nyoro as Budget Committee Chair
Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi has officially taken over as the chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, succeeding Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. Atandi was elected unopposed, as Nyoro neither defended his seat nor attended the election meeting.
Unopposed Election
According to parliamentary rules, when only one contender is nominated, the clerk automatically declares them elected without a vote. Atandi’s nomination was formally proposed by Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematia and seconded by Taveta MP Danson Mwashako. Endebess MP Robert Pukose was similarly elected as the vice chairperson, having been nominated by Kitui Central MP Mulu Makali and Atandi himself.
“I declare Atandi as duly elected as chairperson and Endebess MP Robert Pukose as duly elected vice chairperson,” announced the presiding clerk.
Atandi’s Vision for the Budget Committee
In his acceptance speech, Atandi, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the weight of the committee’s responsibilities.
“This is a demanding responsibility. I applaud the broad-based government. We have reached this point because of the broad-based government,” Atandi remarked, attributing his election to bipartisan cooperation.
He also thanked ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, crediting them for the concept of a broad-based government. He emphasized the need for fair resource distribution, stating that equitable allocation is essential for maintaining peace and stability.
“We know the map of the Republic of Kenya and understand that resource sharing affects peace and stability. We will ensure each county benefits from the resources entrusted to us,” he added.
Vice chairperson Pukose echoed Atandi’s sentiments, vowing to advocate for fairness in budget allocations across the country.
Political Context and Committee Reconstitution
The elections followed a directive from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who last week instructed all parliamentary committees to elect their chairpersons and vice chairpersons within seven days. This directive came after prolonged political wrangling between President Ruto’s ruling coalition and Raila Odinga’s opposition, which had stalled the reconstitution of key committees, including the Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC).
The delay had significantly hampered legislative processes, notably the review of the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and Supplementary Budget II for the 2024-2025 financial year. With the BAC now fully constituted, lawmakers can move forward with crucial budgetary decisions that impact national development.
Atandi’s leadership will be closely watched as he navigates the delicate balance of budget allocations in an era of heightened political scrutiny and economic challenges.
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ODM’s Sam Atandi Replaces Ndindi Nyoro as Budget Committee Chair